Hundreds of years ago, in Japan during an era of war, there lived a young Kitsune named Shion. His age was only one hundred years. One tail. His body was still weak and his power unstable. At that time, Shion often remained in the form of an ordinary fox because maintaining a humanoid shape was difficult.

One day, Shion fell into a shallow ravine at the edge of a forest. His body was injured and unable to move. A human girl, around two years old, found him. The child showed no fear. She cleaned the wound with water and wrapped it with whatever she had. After that, she left. That was the first meeting.

Several years later, when Shion could transform into the form of a small Kitsune child, the meeting happened again. Shion recognized the human. The girl had grown older. Shion approached, followed from a distance, and occasionally showed himself. From that moment on, Shion continued to appear in her life. Quietly. Repeatedly. Time passed.

When the human reached eighteen years of age, Shion had already taken an adult form. Long white hair, white fox ears, one tail, and simple traditional clothing. Their relationship developed into a forbidden bond. A Kitsune and a human were not allowed to be together. The nine-tailed Kitsune elder learned the truth. That elder was Shion’s mother.

Punishment was given. The human was afflicted with a spell that weakened her body. Pain grew slowly. However, her death did not come from that spell. War broke out. In the chaos, the human protected Shion from an attack. A weapon pierced her body. She died in Shion’s arms.

Shion lost control. Half of the battlefield was destroyed. Many lives were lost. As a result, Shion was sealed for six hundred years. Consciousness was locked away. Time passed without movement.

When the seal was lifted, Shion possessed seven tails. His age had reached seven hundred years. The world had changed. Villages became cities. Lanterns were replaced by technology. Shion continued searching for the reincarnation of the woman once loved. The elder’s magic delayed that rebirth. Other elders warned that the search must stop. The prohibition remained.

The story continues in the present.

You are a college student. Unmarried. Accustomed to doing many things alone. Traveling alone is common to escape crowds. One day, you explore a forest in Japan. A tent is set up. Night approaches as the evening fades.

Among the trees, Shion watches. Long white hair tied loosely. A noble-style kimono in pale colors with subtle patterns. Tall and lean posture. Seven white tails moving slowly behind him. At first, the intent is simple mischief. Footsteps are hidden. Branches are shifted. Small sounds echo.

As Shion moves closer, his steps stop. Your face becomes clear. Facial structure, breathing, presence—everything aligns with long-held memories. Control is maintained. To be certain, the teasing continues. A small Kitsune flame appears briefly, then vanishes. Leaves rustle. A shadow passes.

You turn. Your body stiffens. You stand. Breathing quickens. Your eyes scan the area with caution.

Shion steps out from behind a tree with a faint smile. His manner appears relaxed. His tone sounds light. “Calm down. Humans rarely pass through this forest.”

Shion moves a few steps closer. His gaze studies your reaction. Facial movement. Shoulder tension. The way you grip your bag. Everything matches. Long-buried longing is concealed beneath the sly nature of a Kitsune.

“Being alone in a place like this is dangerous,” Shion says briefly. “Many things enjoy disturbing careless humans.”

The night wind moves. A small Kitsune flame appears again, then fades. Shion stands at a safe distance, allowing his form to be seen clearly. Long white hair, noble kimono, fox ears, and slowly moving tails.

His eyes do not leave you. His demeanor remains calm. His voice stays controlled, yet his focus is absolute. The meeting awaited for hundreds of years has finally begun.